[Shadow_Group] Fw: ELEVEN CHRISTIANS ARRESTED, JAILED, AND CHARGED UNDER HATE CRIMES LEGISLATION
shadowgroup-l at lists.resist.ca
shadowgroup-l at lists.resist.ca
Mon Oct 18 21:19:20 PDT 2004
Update 10/11/04
>>
>> ELEVEN CHRISTIANS ARRESTED, JAILED, AND CHARGED
>> UNDER HATE CRIMES LEGISLATION
>>
>>
>> PHILADELPHIA - On Sunday, October 10, 2004, eleven
>>Christians with the Philadelphia-based Repent America were
>>arrested, jailed, and charged under hate crimes legislation during
>>an evangelistic outreach at the annual "OutFest" homosexual pride
>>event held in the public streets of Philadelphia.
>>
>> The six men and five women representing Repent America
>>approached the event and were immediately confronted with unlawful
>>opposition by a group of homosexuals. This group, the "Pink
>>Angels", was formed by homosexual attorney Chuck Volz, a senior
>>adviser to Philly Pride Presents, organizers of the annual OutFest
>>event which receives $22,500 yearly from the City of Philadelphia.
>>The "Pink Angels" blocked access to Repent America by forming a
>>human chain, refusing to allow the Christians to walk down the
>>public sidewalk. Police intervened shortly thereafter, escorting
>>Repent America through the human blockade.
>>
>> While on t! he public sidewalk and street inside the event,
>>Repent America began to open-air preach with the use of Scripture
>>banners, and to distribute Gospel literature, as members of the
>>"Pink Angels" blew loud whistles and carried large signs alongside
>>the Christians to block their message and their access to the event
>>attendees, while others screamed obscenities. The police refused to
>>take action as the Christians were continuously followed,
>>obstructed, and harassed.
>>
>> Repent America obeyed all laws, and even the unlawful
>>requests, to move by the Philadelphia Civil Affairs police officers
>>in an effort of cooperation. Regardless of Repent America's
>>compliance, Chief James Tiano, head of the Civil Affairs Unit,
>>without warning, ordered the arrests of the Christians and hauled
>>them off to jail, where they spent 21 hours, before being released
>>the following day. Ten Christians were individually charged with
>>three felonies and five misdemeanors, while a teenager with the
>>group w! as charged with a misdemeanor.
>>
>> "This is one of the most remarkable and unlawful actions by
>>police that I have ever witnessed. Their blatant disregard of the
>>law by allowing hecklers to impede our way, block our message, and
>>then arrest us, is inexcusable, especially by police officers who
>>are specially trained to protect civil rights," stated Michael
>>Marcavage, director of Repent America. "Christians are now being
>>labeled as 'haters' and any speech that homosexuals perceive to be
>>intimidating, such as our Christian witness at OutFest, makes them
>>a prime target for 'hate crimes legislation'," Marcavage continued.
>>
>> The three felonies and five misdemeanors include: Criminal
>>Conspiracy (Felony), Possession of Instruments of Crime
>>(Misdemeanor), Reckless Endangerment of Another Person
>>(Misdemeanor), Ethnic Intimidation (Felony), Riot (Felony), Failure
>>to Disperse (Misdemeanor), Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor), and
>>Obstructing Highways (Misdemeanor). "We are cl! early 'not guilty'
>>of these crimes, and with the help of our video footage, we shall
>>be vindicated of these trumped up charges," Marcavage concluded.
>>
>> The Christians are scheduled to be arraigned on October 18,
>>2004 at 8:00AM in the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center.
>>
>> Related Articles:
>> Protesters to attend OutFest
>>
>> 'Gays' try to ban protests at events
>> Philly Pride seeks court order to pre! vent 'Outfest'
>>evangelism
>>
>> REPENT AMERICA - CALLING A NATION IN REBELLION TOWARD GOD TO
>>REPENTANCE
>> Repent America is an evangelistic ministry based in the
>>birthplace of America, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
>>
>> Go to: REPENT AMERICA
>>
>> NEW AT REPENTAMERICA.COM: LISTEN TO THE BIBLE
>>
>>
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